Mind Beyond the Mission

Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock
  • 5.0 (17)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Dive deep into the real issues experienced by Veterans, former RCMP members and Families living with mental health injuries. Mind Beyond the Mission is a podcast focused on having authentic conversations that are gritty, honest and informative. Mind Beyond the Mission is hosted by Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna, members of the lived experience team at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

  1. 2 HRS AGO

    How can service dogs support Veteran healing? A conversation with John Dugas

    Hosts Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna are joined by John Dugas, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran who has dedicated his life to service both in uniform and beyond. John is a certified service dog trainer who pairs Veterans and first responders with specially trained, certified service dogs through his work with Courageous Companions. John also shares about how service dogs have played a role in navigating his own journey with traumatic brain injury.   Their conversation highlights the powerful bond between humans and dogs and the life-changing role that compassion, structure and trust can play in recovery. They explore the unique differences between service dogs and pets, and important considerations for Veteran Families thinking about seeking a service dog. Key topics The key differences between a psychiatric service dog and a pet dogThe benefits and misconceptions about service dogs in mental health treatmentRealistic expectations on bonding, training and the ongoing commitments of having a service dogThe importance of timing and readiness for both the Veteran and their Family membersNavigating public spaces and unexpected interactions related to your service dogGuidance and common questions on selecting reputable service dog organizationsThe significant role Family plays alongside the service dog in a Veteran’s healing Resources Courageous Companions: A Canadian charity that provides quality-trained, certified service dogs to military Veterans and first responders  Information about service dogs: Learn how service dogs can help relieve symptoms of operational stress injuries and what defines a service dogVeterans Affairs Canada: Evaluating the effectiveness of service dogs for Veterans with PTSD — an information brief from a research studyExamining changes in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and substance use among a sample of Canadian Veterans working with service dogs: An exploratory patient-oriented longitudinal study, published in the Journal of Veterans StudiesRoyal Canadian Legion: Veterans, mental health and the service dog connection— Read an article advocating for national training standards for service dogsResources for Families and friends: Includes information on signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress injuries, potential impacts on Families and coping strategiesLire en français ici : atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep36-fr

    46 min

  2. JAN 28

    ‘Who am I if not a soldier?’ Exploring creativity, identity and healing after service with Ryan Hawkyard

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna explore the role of creativity and the arts in healing, identity and meaning-making in life after military service. They are joined by Ryan Hawkyard, a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran with 20 years of service, who shares how acting and improv became an unexpected but critical part of his recovery following a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Ryan reflects on the challenges many Veterans face when leaving the military, including the loss of structure, purpose and identity, and asks a question so many struggle with: “Who am I if I’m not a soldier?” He shares how creative practices can help Veterans process what they’ve been carrying, reconnect with their humanity and find new ways to express vulnerability without fear of failure.   Ryan Hawkyard served 20 years in the CAF and completed three tours in Afghanistan. During that time he was diagnosed with PTSD. After his service, Ryan co-founded Soldiers in the Arts, a program using creativity and performance to help Veterans process trauma, build trust and foster healing. Ryan uses storytelling, acting and his passion for the arts to guide fellow Veterans on their recovery and reintegration journeys.    Key topics Identity, purpose and finding meaning after leaving the militaryHow embracing vulnerability, creativity and the arts can support healing from traumaThe power of finding common humanity through storytelling and performanceThe contrast between military culture’s focus on end goals and outcomes, and how the arts encourage being present in the momentThe differences between acting, authenticity and “putting on a mask” when living with a mental health injuryPractical ways to get started with the arts, even if you don’t consider yourself creative Resources Soldiers in the Arts: A transformative platform empowering Veterans and their Families through creative explorationPerspectives blog — Hands of purpose: Crafting identity, renewing purpose and bridging worldsVeterans Transition Network: A charity that provides free group counselling programs to help Veterans of the CAF and Royal Canadian Mounted Police transition successfully to post-service lifeWatch Grant’s digital story of an adult child of Veterans who found solace in the artsGuitars for Vets Canada: A program matching Veterans and still-serving members with PTSD or other service-related injuries with guitars and lessonsEcho for Life (Ottawa, ON): Music workshop for Veterans of the CAF and RCMP — running from March 25 – May 27, 2026Then, I Was A Dragon: Writing from women who have served in the Canadian militaryResources for Families and friends: Includes information on signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress injuries, potential impacts on Families and coping strategies

    44 min

  3. 2025-12-17

    Are you biting off more than you can chew?

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Brian and Laryssa dive into the topic of “biting off more than you can chew” as it relates to Veterans, their Families and those who serve in caregiving roles.   Sharing candid stories and personal experiences, they explore how easy it is to become overwhelmed when supporting others while managing your own mental health and the day-to-day challenges that come up. Their conversation highlights the complexity of balancing care for loved ones while maintaining your own personal well-being, and how setting boundaries can feel both necessary but incredibly difficult. Key topics The unique pressures faced by Veterans and their Families around mental health and recoveryThe challenges around supporting others while managing your own mental healthThe importance of boundaries and maintaining a personal “reserve”Strategies to empower others to support themselves instead of doing everything for themThe risks and realities of burnout and compassion fatigueThe significance of small tasks accumulating into overwhelming responsibilitiesResources Hope in hand: Honouring our needs this holiday seasonFor Families: Supporting yourself when your loved one is struggling with a posttraumatic stress injuryLooking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran FamiliesResources for Families and friends — including information on signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress injuries, potential impacts on Families, navigating challenging relationship dynamics and coping strategiesPeer support program directory — an online directory of peer support programs that are available to Veterans and their Families, searchable by locationMilitary sexual trauma: Self-care for Family members — learn about self-care and setting boundariesVeteran Family Summit 2026 — January 22 – 23, 2026 Lire en français : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep34

    38 min

  4. 2025-11-26

    Understanding the invisible impacts of traumatic brain injury with Veteran and former CFL player Ryan Carey

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock welcome returning guest Ryan Carey — a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, former Canadian Football League (CFL) player, musician and football coach — for a candid conversation about brain health, traumatic brain injury and life after service.   Ryan shares insights from both his military and professional athletic experiences, diving into how repetitive impacts can affect brain function and sharing practical strategies for maintaining brain health. Brian, Laryssa and Ryan also explore the often-overlooked role of Family members and caregivers, the unspoken realities around transition to post-service life and the ongoing evolution in safety practices in the military and in sports. Throughout the discussion they highlight the importance of self-care, solidarity and peer support in navigating both physical and psychological challenges. Ryan Carey was drafted fourth overall in the 1994 CFL draft and played for five years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment from 2002 to 2016. Ryan is a brain donor and leader of Project Enlist, which brings awareness to head injuries in the military for the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada. Key topics The physical and psychological impacts of repetitive head traumaPractical strategies for managing brain healthAdvancements in military and sports organizations' understanding of brain health and adoption of safer practicesThe differences in symptoms between posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuryCoping with memory loss and changing capabilities after injuryThe importance of communication and support from Family, peers and caregiversInterested in hearing more about traumatic brain injury? Listen to Ryan’s previous appearance on Mind Beyond the Mission where he first joined Brian and Laryssa to discuss traumatic brain injury and brain health. Resources Resources on traumatic brain injury for Veterans, their Family members and people who work with themTraumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Concussion Legacy FoundationProject EnlistOperation Brain HealthThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der KolkBrain Injury Canada resource website  Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep33-fr

    43 min

  5. 2025-10-22

    Understanding how trauma impacts sleep, with Dr. Craig Stewart

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna explore the prevalence of sleep issues in the Veteran and Family population and discuss how posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) can impact sleep. They are joined by special guest Dr. Craig Stewart, a psychiatrist and certified sleep specialist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic, who helps unpack the complex relationship between trauma, sleep and our overall well-being.  They explore the common challenges Veteran Families face when sleep is disrupted by PTSIs, discuss practical advice for managing sleep issues and highlight new research around sleep health and trauma.  Dr. Craig P. Stewart, MB BAO BCh, MA, FRCPC is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Interim Medical Director at the St. Joseph’s Health Care London OSI Clinic. He completed a clinical fellowship in sleep medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University, where he serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He holds a master’s degree in behavioural neuroscience from Brock University with a focus on neurophysiological correlates of sleep, with additional research experience in circadian rhythms. He also practises at a community sleep clinic in the greater Toronto area.  Key topics  The impacts of trauma and sleep deprivation on memory and mental health The common differences and similarities in sleep issues between Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans and public safety personnel The long-term physical and mental health consequences of chronic insomnia Nightmares, dream enactment and practical Family strategies to manage sleep disruptions and behaviours How electronic device use and "doom scrolling" affect sleep routines and conditioned arousal Realistic expectations and recovery models for improving sleep after traumaResources ‘To sleep, perchance to dream’: An overview of common sleep issues, treatments and myths with Dr. Craig Stewart (video) Participate in a study aiming to better understand the prevalence of sleep conditions and challenges among Canadian Veterans and their Families Learn about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some treatment options Resources on living with PTSIs for public safety personnel and their Families Resources for Families and friends —includes information on signs and symptoms of PTSIs, potential impacts on Families and coping strategies Anxiety Canada: Getting a good night’s sleep U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Path to better sleep U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Sleep problems and PTSD  Lire en français ici : atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep32-fr

    42 min

  6. 2025-06-25

    An introduction to prolonged exposure therapy with guests Dr. David Paul and Justin Woodcock

    Host Laryssa Lamrock and guest co-host Justin Woodcock look at prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with special guest Dr. David Paul, a registered psychologist specializing in trauma treatment for military and public safety personnel. They unpack the basics of PE, how it specifically helps those living with PTSD and the vital role Families play in supporting a loved one through this sometimes challenging but hopeful therapeutic journey. David addresses common misconceptions and shares practical insights to help Veterans and their loved ones make informed decisions and best prepare themselves for therapy. David Paul, PhD, R. Psych, is a registered psychologist in private practice in Edmonton, AB. He has specialized in the treatment and assessment of trauma- and stressor-related disorders in military and public safety personnel for most of his career, including in previous positions at the Edmonton OSI Clinic and the Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centre (OTSSC) at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. He holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from McGill University and is certified as a trainer in PE therapy by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. Justin Woodcock is a proud First Nation Veteran and social worker from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He served from 2009 to 2017 in both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy. Motivated by the loss of fellow soldiers to PTSD, Justin pursued a career in social work. He now serves as the First Nations Veterans Program Coordinator for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, leading a program created by and for First Nations Veterans. Key topics What PE therapy is and how it differs from general exposure therapyThe two main components of PE: imaginal and in vivo exposureWhy PE is targeted to treat PTSD and typical session durations and structureCommon misconceptions and fears about PE among Veterans and their FamiliesThe vital role Family members play and advice for Families with loved ones considering or starting PE therapyThe differences and unique challenges between treating Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police VeteransResources About prolonged exposure therapy — The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the Perelman School of MedicineFind a certified PE therapistRecorded trainings on PE therapy for service providersThe Centre for Posttraumatic Stress & Anxiety TreatmentEmail list for service providers — sign up to be notified about upcoming no-cost PE training opportunities offered by the Atlas InstituteOther training opportunities for service providers who work with Veterans and FamiliesJoin the Atlas Institute’s Evidence-Based Therapy Community of Practice Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep31-fr

    49 min

  7. 2025-05-22

    The hidden impacts of intergenerational trauma with guests Guy Dallaire and Tarik Kadri

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, host Laryssa Lamrock is joined by guest co-host Tarik Kadri and special guest Guy Dallaire for a conversation about the impacts and complexities of vicarious trauma and intergenerational trauma among military and Veteran Families. Guy Dallaire was born into a multigenerational military Family — both his father and grandfather served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Guy served in both the Reserve and Regular Forces until he was medically released with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2020. He is currently researching the impacts of vicarious trauma on adult children of Veterans and first responders. Guy reflects on how his upbringing in a military Family and his father's service experiences have shaped his own life and mental health. The episode unpacks the far-reaching impacts that trauma can have on Veterans and their Families — even spanning across generations — emphasizing the need for awareness and increased support for affected Families. Tarik Kadri served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 18 years, retiring as a Captain, Social Work Officer. Tarik is a registered social worker and trauma therapist and a member of the Atlas Institute’s Strategic Reference Group. Key topics The key differences between trauma, vicarious trauma and intergenerational traumaThe impacts of military service on Families, particularly childrenGuy’s personal experiences and reflections on growing up in a military FamilyChallenges faced by adult children of Veterans and first respondersSupport options and coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma-related issuesEncouragement and advice for open conversations about mental health within FamiliesResources Month of the Military Child — stories from military children and resources for parents and caregiversDandelion child: How my military childhood shaped meStories from young Veteran Family members, told in their own voicesWhy Is Daddy Like He Is? A book for kids about PTSD by Patience MasonChildren’s e-books for military, Veteran and public safety personnel FamiliesMaking sense of why I am like I am: The journey of adult children of VeteransRecordings and materials from previous Veteran Family Summits   Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep30-fr

    40 min

  8. 2025-04-24

    Finding strength in vulnerability with guests Gary Hollender and Sheri Lux

    Laryssa Lamrock and guest co-host Staff Sergeant (Ret’d) Gary Hollender are joined by Sheri Lux. Sheri opens up about losing her husband Mike, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, who died by suicide in 2017. Sheri shares her journey of healing and self-discovery, providing insights into the unique challenges faced by RCMP Families, the power found in community support, and the importance vulnerability played in healing and processing such a profound loss. Gary discusses his own experiences in the RCMP and they emphasize the need for more open conversations about mental health in the military and Veteran community. Sheri Lux is an author, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada. Her memoir Finding My Fire is available for purchase online. Key topics The importance of community support in times of crisisInsights into the unique experiences of first responder FamiliesThe role the arts can play in healing and processing traumaHow vulnerability can serve as a source of strengthThe impacts mental health challenges can have on Family dynamicsThe importance of open conversations around mental health in the communityResources Suicide prevention for Veterans and Family membersMilitary and RCMP Veterans and suicide prevention — a toolkit of practical information and guidanceLooking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran FamiliesA guide for people and Families struggling with suicide — St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis HelplineFinding My Fire by Sheri Lux Laryssa Lamrock et son coanimateur invité, le sergent d'état-major (à la retraite) Gary Hollender, sont rejoints par Sheri Lux. Sheri parle ouvertement de la perte de son mari Mike, un agent de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), qui est décédé par suicide en 2017. Sheri partage son parcours vers la guérison et la découverte de soi, offrant un aperçu des défis uniques auxquels font face les familles de la GRC, du pouvoir du soutien communautaire et de l'importance de la vulnérabilité dans le processus de guérison et d'acceptation d'une perte aussi profonde. Gary parle de sa propre expérience au sein de la GRC et ils soulignent la nécessité d'avoir des conversations plus ouvertes sur la santé mentale dans la communauté policière, des forces armées et des vétérans. Sheri Lux est auteure, entrepreneure, militante pour la santé mentale et ambassadrice de Wounded Warriors Canada.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Dive deep into the real issues experienced by Veterans, former RCMP members and Families living with mental health injuries. Mind Beyond the Mission is a podcast focused on having authentic conversations that are gritty, honest and informative. Mind Beyond the Mission is hosted by Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna, members of the lived experience team at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mind Beyond the Mission
  • Show Website
    Mind Beyond the Mission